Brand Name Dillemma - The Firearms Forum

DRB · 05-12-2012, 08:18 PM

Hello all,

I am having a dilemma; I am looking to purchase a 1911-22 and was set on the Sig Sauer (manufactured by GSG) until my research lead me to the realization the GSG makes the exact same gun under their name for a little bit less money. I've personally never heard of GSG so I wanted to run it by all of you for your opinions. It's about a 10% difference in price so what do you all think? Sig Sauer or GSG for a little less money?

Thanks,

Dan

gvw3 · 05-13-2012, 05:49 PM

The guns at my gun shop talked down the Sig Sauer to my son when he was looking for an auto 22. I don't know much about this gun but that's what they said.

Hammerslagger · 05-13-2012, 08:05 PM

http://www.impactguns.com/gsg-1911-f...393011504.aspx

I would follow the link above and do a little other Internet research on GSG (German Sport Guns) as well.

I gave no direct experience with any products made by GSG. Generally speaking, most .22 RF's based on a 1911 type frame (and 1911 .22 Rf conversion kits) are utility/training pistols as compared to "Target" pistols accuracy wise.

Real world, they tend to shoot about twice as loose groups that are typical of a Ruger Mark series, S&W 41 or 22A series, Browning Buckmark, older high Standards, Colt Woodsman, etc.

They do provide the general shape, weight and balance of a 1911 for practice at reduced ammo costs. Their accuracy should be on par with a well made service (carry) grade 1911.

I tend not to pay significantly more money for a well known brand name if an equal functional quality item is made by the same maker who makes the well known brand name under contract. However, sometimes there are significant quality differences for items that are mechanically the same, and are made in the same factory. This is especially true of optics.

The bottom line is that I do not know any details about a GSG 1911 made with SIG's badge on it as compared to one marked ATI, Rochester, NY. I would do some Internet research before buying.

Hope this is of some value.

LDBennett · 05-14-2012, 07:50 AM

Hammerslagger:

Not all 1911 22LR conversion are the same. Take the Marvel Precision conversion units for example.

The Unit #2 is a blowback operated tactical practice conversion unit with average accuracy just as you described. The whole of the the slide recoils just as does the 1911 45ACP version and the sights ride with the slide.

Then there is the Unit #1. It IS a target unit and probably is more accurate than any of the common 22LR target pistol mentioned. It too is blow back operated but only the bolt moves in recoil. The barrel is fixed to the frame and the sights are fixed to the barrel. This, of course, mimics common accurate 22LR target pistols like the S&W Model 41, the High Standard Trophy and Victor, and several others know accurate 22LR pistols. Visit their web page and see the accuracy guarantee for the Unit #1.

But several other companies make similar conversions where only the bolt moves in recoil and are touted as real target conversion units. I know the Marvel Unit #1 as I have one and it is indeed not a tactical practice unit but a real accurate target piece. Of course the internals of the 1911 frame have to be modified to get a suburb trigger and good ergonomic (grips, etc) but these conversion units have been used by many Bullseye competitors with success.

The original owner/inventor of Marvel has moved to a couple of different 22LR conversion manufacturer after leaving Marvel Precision, getting the new employers up to speed in the accuracy department. Today there are at least a couple of others that have been helped by him.

LDBennett

05-13-2012, 08:05 PM	#3
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Brand Name Dillemma http://www.impactguns.com/gsg-1911-f...393011504.aspx I would follow the link above and do a little other Internet research on GSG (German Sport Guns) as well. I gave no direct experience with any products made by GSG. Generally speaking, most .22 RF's based on a 1911 type frame (and 1911 .22 Rf conversion kits) are utility/training pistols as compared to "Target" pistols accuracy wise. Real world, they tend to shoot about twice as loose groups that are typical of a Ruger Mark series, S&W 41 or 22A series, Browning Buckmark, older high Standards, Colt Woodsman, etc. They do provide the general shape, weight and balance of a 1911 for practice at reduced ammo costs. Their accuracy should be on par with a well made service (carry) grade 1911. I tend not to pay significantly more money for a well known brand name if an equal functional quality item is made by the same maker who makes the well known brand name under contract. However, sometimes there are significant quality differences for items that are mechanically the same, and are made in the same factory. This is especially true of optics. The bottom line is that I do not know any details about a GSG 1911 made with SIG's badge on it as compared to one marked ATI, Rochester, NY. I would do some Internet research before buying. Hope this is of some value. Last edited by Hammerslagger; 05-13-2012 at 08:09 PM.. Reason: Typos

05-14-2012, 07:50 AM	#4
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,714	Re: Brand Name Dillemma Hammerslagger: Not all 1911 22LR conversion are the same. Take the Marvel Precision conversion units for example. The Unit #2 is a blowback operated tactical practice conversion unit with average accuracy just as you described. The whole of the the slide recoils just as does the 1911 45ACP version and the sights ride with the slide. Then there is the Unit #1. It IS a target unit and probably is more accurate than any of the common 22LR target pistol mentioned. It too is blow back operated but only the bolt moves in recoil. The barrel is fixed to the frame and the sights are fixed to the barrel. This, of course, mimics common accurate 22LR target pistols like the S&W Model 41, the High Standard Trophy and Victor, and several others know accurate 22LR pistols. Visit their web page and see the accuracy guarantee for the Unit #1. But several other companies make similar conversions where only the bolt moves in recoil and are touted as real target conversion units. I know the Marvel Unit #1 as I have one and it is indeed not a tactical practice unit but a real accurate target piece. Of course the internals of the 1911 frame have to be modified to get a suburb trigger and good ergonomic (grips, etc) but these conversion units have been used by many Bullseye competitors with success. The original owner/inventor of Marvel has moved to a couple of different 22LR conversion manufacturer after leaving Marvel Precision, getting the new employers up to speed in the accuracy department. Today there are at least a couple of others that have been helped by him. LDBennett

05-12-2012, 08:18 PM	#1
DRB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 42	Brand Name Dillemma Hello all, I am having a dilemma; I am looking to purchase a 1911-22 and was set on the Sig Sauer (manufactured by GSG) until my research lead me to the realization the GSG makes the exact same gun under their name for a little bit less money. I've personally never heard of GSG so I wanted to run it by all of you for your opinions. It's about a 10% difference in price so what do you all think? Sig Sauer or GSG for a little less money? Thanks, Dan -->

05-13-2012, 05:49 PM	#2
gvw3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago IL Area Contributor Posts: 3,287	Re: Brand Name Dillemma The guns at my gun shop talked down the Sig Sauer to my son when he was looking for an auto 22. I don't know much about this gun but that's what they said. __________________ Criminals advocate stronger gun laws to foster a safer work environment. This limits their exposure to risk.